Germany's Christoph Kramer 'can't remember' first half of the World Cup final after blow to the head

After a number of high-profile head injuries in the World Cup, FIFA needs to address the issues of sideline medical checks and concussion protocol. German midfielder Christoph Kramer, a last-minute addition to the lineup after Sami Khedira suffered an injury in the warm-up, left the World Cup final in the first half after a sickening blow to the head. Kramer was blindsided by Argentinian defender Ezequiel Garay in the first half, but remained in the game after a quick examination from the German trainers.

Kramer played 14 more minutes before collapsing to the ground. He was replaced in the 31st minute by André Schürrle, who went on to provide the game-winning assist to Mario Götze. Kramer was helped off the field by German trainers and looked dazed, but returned to watch the game in the second half.

Christophe Simon/AFP

Kramer told German newspaper Die Welt that he “can’t really remember” the game, and can’t recall how he left the field.

“I can’t really remember much of the game. I don’t know anything at all about the first half. I thought later that I left the game immediately after the tackle. I have no idea how I got to the changing rooms. I don’t know anything else. In my head, the game starts from the second half.”

The German national team has not released an update on Kramer’s condition. He posted a photo of himself holding the World Cup trophy to his Instagram after the game.

Germany's Christoph Kramer 'can't remember' first half of the World Cup final after blow to the head

Kramer says he does not know how he got off the field.

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